Medical imaging and nuclear medicine: points to note

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients requires access to imaging to ensure accurate management decisions and optimal outcomes. Our global assessment of imaging and nuclear medicine resources identified major shortages of equipment and workforce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). A microsimulation model of 11 cancers showed scale-up of imaging would avert 3.2% (2.46 million) of all cancer deaths caused by the modeled cancers between 2020-2030, saving 54.92 million life years. Scale-up of imaging, treatment and care quality would avert 9.55 million (12.5%) of all deaths caused by the modeled cancers, saving 232.30 million life years. Scale-up of imaging would cost $6.84 billion in 2020-2030 but yield global lifetime productivity gains of $1.23 trillion, a net return of $179.19 per $1 invested. Using a conservative human capital approach, scale-up of imaging would provide a net benefit of $209.46 billion and net return of $31.61 per $1 invested. Using the same model and a full income approach, combining scale-up of imaging and treatment and quality of care would provide a net benefit of $2.66 trillion, and a net return of $12.43 per $1 invested. These improved health and economic outcomes were seen across all countries and geographical regions. We propose actions and investment that would enhance access to imaging equipment, workforce capacity, digital technology, radiopharmaceuticals, and research and training programs in LMIC, to realise massive health and economic benefits and reduce the burden of cancer globally.